| Bad Habits |
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| Q. |
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I think I am addicted to drinking alcohol. I just couldn't stop drinking whenever I have the opportunity to do so. Is it ok? |
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| A. |
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Drinking makes you less worried and uptight about what you do or say and intensifies your emotions. This might make you feel more relaxed and confident, but it can also make you aggressive, violent, depressed or physically sick. Being drunk can be embarrassing. You are more likely to misunderstand people or take silly risks, and might say or do things you later regret. Alcohol can also prevent you from getting erections or enjoying sex. Too much at once can actually kill you. Drinking can be difficult when you are at a party or out with friends. A smile and 'No, thank you' to an offer of a drink is often enough. When someone buys another round, you can plead thirst and order a soft drink. You can also drink very slowly to make each drink last longer. Self-control is the keyword in cutting down on drinking. |
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| Q. |
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What are the signs and symptoms to tell when you are an alcoholic? |
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Being drunk more often than not. |
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Skipping school because of hangover. |
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Having accidents because of drinking. |
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Becoming touchy when people talk about driving. |
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Lying about how much you drink. |
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Needing to have alcohol around. |
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Drinking alone. |
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Frequently mixing different types of drinks. |
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Using drink to get through the day. |
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Binge drinking on weekends. |
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Becoming irritable and anxious if you can't have a drink. |
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Not being able to make it through a night out without having a drink. |
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| Q. |
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What are the tips for cutting down on drinking alcohol? |
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| A. |
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Drink slowly. The faster you drink, the greater the effect. Binge drinking is dangerous and people have died as a result of it. Remember it takes the average body approximately one hour to dear one unit of alcohol. |
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Avoid drinking on an empty stomach; eating before you go out will slow down the rate at which alcohol enters the bloodstream.
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Pour your own drinks. This way you can keep track of how much you're drinking. |
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If you are going to drink, then try to make every other drink a soft drink. |
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Keep away from so-called friends who spike your drink (add alcohol to your soft drinks when you are not looking) or try to make you drink more than you want to. |
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Keep away from places where you know you'll reach for a drink, e.g. certain friends' houses, pub that serve underage drinkers or off licenses that will sell you alcohol. |
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Don't be fooled by the new 'soft' alcoholic contents and because they are fizzy are likely to get you drunk quicker than you expect. |
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| Q. |
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How to cope with living with someone who drinks?
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| A. |
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Look after yourself and take steps to protect yourself, especially if you think you might be at risk. |
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Don't blame yourself for their drinking. Each adult is responsible for him or herself. |
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Don't pour away alcohol unless someone asks you to. Taking alcohol away from someone who is already drunk may put you at risk of being hurt. |
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Don't cover up or make excuses to other people for their drinking. |
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Don't be afraid to voice your concerns when they are sober. |
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Tell another adult you trust what's going on. Share the burden. |
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| Q. |
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What are the tips to quit smoking? |
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Take one day at a time. |
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Imagine all the money you'll save from not smoking. Try putting the equivalent money aside to buy yourself a 'reward' for giving up. |
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Incorporate a get fit regime into your life. This will encourage you to keep away from cigarettes. |
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Reward yourself for not smoking. |
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Ask friends to support you, not nag you. |
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Find ways of turning down cigarettes and practice them so you'll be prepared when someone offers you one. Just say no and don't offer any explanations as to why you've given up. |
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Don't be an ex-smoker bore. No one likes being lectured on their habits. |
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Keep away from situations where you know you'll be tempted to smoke. |
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If parents or relatives smoke, suggest limiting smoking to one area of the house only. |
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Question friends who won't respect your decision to give up. |
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| Q. |
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What are the tips on how to help a parent or friend give up smoking? |
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Don't lecture, instead talk through your worries about their smoking with them. |
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Listen to why they feel they have to smoke. Some people can't see a way out and if you don't listen to their reasons why they smoke, you'll never be able to help them give up. |
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Don't become their personal bodyguard. If they feel their every move is being watched, they may feel driven to smoke. |
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Give them a break. If someone slips up and has a cigarette, don't bully them. Instead, encourage them to keep trying. |
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If they are worried about putting on weight, try and get them to take up some kind of activity that will help them to cope with their anxiety. Swimming, yoga and keeping fit are all good alternatives. |
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Get them to change their habits. For instance, lots of adult smoke while having a cup of tea or coffee, of after a meal. |
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Opt for non-smoking areas in cafes, restaurants, cinemas and waiting rooms, this way there'll be no chance of having a cigarette. |
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Emphasis the health benefits of not smoking. |
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Keep complimenting them on how well they're doing. Mention improvements in their skin condition and breathe, for example. |
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someone can't give up cigarette completely, suggest cutting down initially. |
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